1. Look after your matesĀ
Travel with a friend. Make a meeting point where, if you get separated, lost your phone, can meet up. Check in with your friends to make sure they are okay, and let your friend know if you are not feeling well or if you need a break.
2. Chill out and take a breakĀ
Dancing, singing and being in the sun for several hours can result in dehydration or heat exhaustion, with or without the use of alcohol or other drugs. Be sure to take a break and cool-down regularly. The headspace help desk have a great REST area bought to you by REST Industry Super ā chill out on the bean bags or deck chairs.Ā
3. Hydrate and replenishĀ
Dehydration and heatstroke are real issues. Most medical issues and emergencies are a direct result of heatstroke and/or dehydration. Drink a bottle of water per hour and supplement with sports drinks. Get your water at the headspace help desk.Ā
There is no safe way to use drugs but if you choose to use; know your drug; go low; go slow; donāt mix; take a break; donāt use alone / tell a mate. If it all goes wrong call 000 ā you wonāt get in trouble for asking for help.Ā
This may be easier said than done, but remember ā healthy eating and sleeping are an important part of staying mentally and physically healthy. We can still have fun without pushing our bodies too hard. Make sure to eat healthy meals and get appropriate sleep before and after the event. Make sure to eat well before heading to the festival and eat a sufficient meal after.Ā
Sound levels at events can be high, which can cause damage within a few seconds. The risk of hearing damage depends on: (1) How loud the music is; (2) How close you are to the speakers; (3) How long you are on the dance floor; and (4) Previous or a family history of hearing damage. Wear basic earplugs or, if you attend events regularly, invest in a reusable pair that do not distort the sound.Ā
Even if itās not sunny - you can still get burnt. Australia has the highest rate of skin cancer in the world. Sunscreen should be ābroad spectrumā and āwater resistantā. Apply over all areas of exposed skin 20 minutes before sun exposure and reapply every two hours or more regularly if you have been sweating when dancing. Check out the headspace help desk during the day to get your sunscreen on.Ā
8. If youāre sexually active, come prepared with protectionĀ
If you are sexually active, come prepared with an option for birth control and protection from sexually transmitted infections. We are more likely to engage in sexual activity when out with our friends in a relaxed and social environment. Itās not pretentious to come prepared; itās responsible and pragmatic.Ā
It is inevitable that you will have to interact with police and/or security while traveling to/from or entering the event. It is important to know your rights and how to engage with and speak to law enforcement. For more information and strategies see http://www.lawstuff.org.au/.Ā
Donāt forget to come by and say hi to the headspace crew at the help desk at all GTM event ā or find out more about what else headspace can help with at www.headspace.org.au
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